Galveston County officials are reminding citizens that the pickup of Hurricane Ike debris ended in July. All debris or trash placed at the curb or in the right of way is now the responsibility of the homeowner or occupant.

The county gave citizens more than 10 months to place storm debris at the curb, extending the deadline multiple times. In addition, the county and several other agencies assisted with a very extensive private property debris removal program that resulted in the complete cleanup of more than 2,600 properties at no cost to residents.

All told, the county has removed nearly 3 million cubic yards of storm debris since September 2008 at a cost of approximately $130 million.

While the county formally ended its debris cleanup program in early July, some trucks continued to collect debris until a backlog of listed properties could be cleared. This has left some citizens with the impression that storm debris can still be placed at the curb.

“Our Ike debris cleanup is over,” said Garret Foskit, the county’s debris program coordinator. “Any trash or debris placed at the curb or right of way is now the responsibility of the homeowner or occupant,” he said. “Citizens should contact their regular waste hauler for pickup at this time,” Foskit said. 

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